Oakfields College: Graphic design

Duration: 36 hours

What you will cover:

During this course, you will cover the following:
Fundamentals of Graphic Design. You will learn the technical literacy and concepts of graphic design. You will also be exposed to conceptualising original and visually stimulating designs.

Adobe Photoshop
You will gain indepth knowledge to effectively explore and create images and designs to captivate your target audience.

Adobe Illustrator
Within the duration of this module you will be able to transfer your concepts into creative design elements used for print and online.

Adobe InDesign
Upon completion of this module you will be able to use the functions available in order to streamline the design process of single and multi-page documents right through to creating print ready files. The course includes class projects that will enable you to build a personal portfolio to show prospective employers or clients.

Career Opportunities

Creative Industries

• Graphic Designer: Create visual concepts to communicate ideas, including logos, branding materials, and advertisements.
• Illustrator: Design custom illustrations for books, advertisements, or digital platforms.
• Art Director: Oversee creative projects and guide the visual style and design for media campaigns.
• Packaging Designer: Develop visually appealing and functional packaging designs for products across industries.

Digital Marketing and Media

• Social Media Content Creator: Design engaging visuals for social media platforms to promote brands and connect with audiences.
• Web Designer: Create user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing website layouts and designs.
• Motion Graphics Designer: Produce animated graphics for video content, advertisements, or websites.

Corporate Branding

• Brand Designer: Develop cohesive brand identities, including logos, typography, and color schemes.
• Marketing Material Designer: Design brochures, flyers, and promotional materials for corporate campaigns.
• Infographic Designer: Create data visualizations that effectively communicate complex information.

Publishing and Print Media

• Book Cover Designer: Craft compelling and creative book covers to attract readers.
• Magazine Layout Artist: Design page layouts and spreads for magazines or other publications.
• Print Production Artist: Ensure print-ready designs meet quality and technical standards.

Freelance and Entrepreneurship

• Freelance Graphic Designer: Offer design services independently to a diverse range of clients.
• Creative Consultant: Advise companies on branding and visual communication strategies.
• Business Owner: Start a design studio or offer niche services like wedding invitation designs or personalized branding.

Education and Training

• Design Instructor: Teach graphic design skills at educational institutions or through workshops.
• Content Creator for Online Tutorials: Develop and share graphic design tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Udemy.

Specialized Fields

• User Interface (UI) Designer: Focus on the design of interactive digital interfaces.
• Environmental Graphic Designer: Create large-scale graphics for physical spaces like office buildings, museums, or retail stores.
• Game Artist: Design visual elements for video games, including characters and environments.

Industries Benefiting from Graphic Design Skills

Advertising and Marketing

Agencies and in-house marketing teams require skilled graphic designers to create compelling campaigns that resonate with their target audience.

Media and Entertainment

Graphic designers are essential in the film, television, and digital content industries for creating visuals that enhance storytelling.

Publishing

Print and digital publishing houses rely on graphic designers for page layouts, cover designs, and promotional materials.

E-commerce

Online stores require graphic designers to develop product images, banners, and promotional visuals to drive sales.

Education

Educational institutions and content creators need designers to produce visually appealing and effective learning materials.

Technology

Tech companies employ designers to create engaging interfaces and branding for apps, software, and websites.

A graphic design qualification from Oakfields College provides the foundation for a wide array of career opportunities across creative and technical fields. Graduates can work in diverse industries, from advertising to publishing, or start their own ventures. With the ability to communicate visually and strategically, graphic designers play a crucial role in shaping brand identities, user experiences, and the overall visual landscape of businesses and media.